Apple has released a Golden Master version of its upcoming operating system, OS X 10.9 or Mavericks, to developers

Image: Apple

This essentially means that OS X 10.9 is finalized, as the Golden Master is the same version that will be released to the public. The exact date of launch has not yet been revealed, but Mavericks should become available sometime in October.

The Mavericks GM is available for download now in the Mac App Store for those already on the developer preview. It’s also available as a direct download in the Mac Dev Center. Apple has seeded the Xcode 5.0.1 GM (to make apps for Mavericks), OS X Server Preview 9, and Apple Remote Desktop 3.7 as well.

More from Techtimes24:  Adobe loses 2.9 mil customer records, source code and credit card records

Mavericks brings better performance and battery life, the ability to tag files, folders and documents, better support for multiple displays, a new version of Finder with support for tabs, a new version of Safari, as well as many fixes and improvements

Source: Apple, Mashable

Adobe loses 2.9 mil customer records, source code and credit card records

Summary:  Adobe Systems Inc. is expected to announce that hackers broke into its network and stole source code for an as-yet undetermined number of software titles, including its ColdFusion Web application platform, and possibly its Acrobat family of products. The company said hackers also accessed nearly three million customer credit card records, and stole login data for an undetermined number of Adobe user accounts.

In an interview with this publication, Adobe confirmed that the company believes that hackers accessed a source code repository sometime in mid-August 2013, after breaking into a portion of Adobe’s network that handled credit card transactions for customers. Adobe believes the attackers stole credit card and other data on approximately 2.9 million customers, and that the bad guys also accessed an as-yet-undetermined number of user names and passwords that customers use to access various parts of the Adobe customer network.

In a blog post Brad Arkin, chief security officer of Adobe, said: “Adobe has attracted increasing attention from cyber attackers. Very recently, Adobe’s security team discovered sophisticated attacks on our network, involving the illegal access of customer information as well as source code for numerous Adobe products. We believe these attacks may be related.

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“Our investigation currently indicates that the attackers accessed Adobe customer IDs and encrypted passwords on our systems. We also believe the attackers removed from our systems certain information relating to 2.9 million Adobe customers, including customer names, encrypted credit or debit card numbers, expiration dates, and other information relating to customer orders. At this time, we do not believe the attackers removed decrypted credit or debit card numbers from our systems. We deeply regret that this incident occurred. We’re working diligently internally, as well as with external partners and law enforcement, to address the incident ”

Source: KrebsOnSecurity, USA Today

Running second or multiple Skype accounts on Windows 7

I have two Skype accounts, one I use for my business contact and other one I use for personal contact.

In my business skype account I need to login 24 hours for quick contact with my client. The problem is for my personal account because of my one desktop/laptop.  Now it is possible to open double or multiple skype account in your one desktop or laptop. It’s easy and simple follow the step:

Step-1: Go to start menu then find run

Step-2: Click on run and browse skype directory file in your C-drive/program files/Skype/Phone

Step-3: There is a Skype exe file in the “Phone folder” block Skype exe then click open button

Step-4: There you can find "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" Now rewrite the path "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe"/secondary

Step-5: That’s it click ok, you can find skype new login window

PayPal Debuts "Beacon", a Bluetooth LE Enabled Device for Hands-Free Check Ins and Payments

Summary: Beacon, a new add-on hardware device for merchants that leverages bluetooth technology to enable consumers to pay at stores completely hands-free

PayPal has unveiled its latest digital payments scheme ”Beacon”,  promising what could be the holy grail of mobile wallet solutions: easier than a credit card.

What is Paypal Beacon?

PayPal Beacon is a Bluetooth Low Energy device to connect to a customer’s PayPal app when they enter a store. With one vibration or sound on your phone, you’ll know you’re checked in. And when you’re ready to make a purchase, all you have to do is say you’re paying with PayPal and the transaction is automatically completed: no cash, cards, taps, or signatures required—all hands free.

How does PayPal Beacon works?

PayPal Beacon will connect consumers to enhanced shopping experiences such as automatically ordering your favorite dish at your usual lunch spot, or getting personalized service at your favorite clothing store. In addition, you can choose to accept messages from stores that you walk into, so that you can take advantage of special offers in the produce aisle.

How can merchants take advantage of this technology?

Merchants are focused on providing easier ways for their customers to make purchases either online or in-store. As more and more consumers embrace mobile technologies to do their shopping, PayPal Beacon will allow you to connect to your customers as they enter your store. By working with our open APIs, you’ll be able to craft an experience that makes the shopping experience easier and more delightful for your customers.

What is the value for consumers?

PayPal Beacon eliminates one of the last remaining points of friction for consumers. With Beacon, you are notified with a vibration or sound that there is an enhanced shopping experience as soon as you walk in to a store. You can get notified immediately when your prescription is ready, order your usual lunch at your favorite restaurant, or simply walk to the counter with your purchases and say you’re paying with PayPal—all done hands-free. The merchant does the rest and you receive your receipt electronically.

More from  Techtimes24: Dwolla alternative to PayPal,Popular EDI for online B2C transactions

Source: PayPal, techcrunch

Amazing features of Acer Unveils 6-Inch Liquid S2 Smartphone

Acer has officially introduced the Liquid S2 smartphone, calling it the first 4k video-recording handset.

The Liquid S2 is much more than just a video camera disguised as a phone; it is a very impressive 6-inch phablet in its own right and one with a serious processor, 2GB of RAM in tow and a great HD display

(More from Techtimes24: Microsoft to acquire Nokia's smartphone handset business)

Amazing features of Liquid S2;

1.       Size:                      6-inch

2.       Screen:                 1920x1080 pixels

3.       OS:                        Android 4.2.2

4.       Camera:               13-megapixel camera on the back (coupled with a 2MP shooter on the front)

5.       Processor:           Quad-core 2.2GHz

6.       RAM:                     2GB

7.       Storage memory: 16GB

8.       LED ring flash

9.       4K video recording

10.   The camera can also record full HD video at 60 FPS as well as take 27-megapixel panoramas

11.   Quick first shot to take an image from the lock screen, and smart best shot for multiple images.

12.   4G support, as well as WiFi 802.11 ac,

13.   Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS.

14.   3300mAh capacity battery

Acer’s Float user interfaces, and has Acer Docs/Remote Files/HD Channel, Float Caller, Print, and Data Traffic Manager

The Acer Liquid S2 will become available in black and red "at the end of October;" exact pricing and availability are yet to be revealed.

Source: Acer Liquid S2introduced as first 4k recording smartphone

Microsoft to acquire Nokia's smartphone handset business

Microsoft late Monday announced it is buying Nokia's smartphone and cellular handset business in a deal worth $7.2 billion.

As part of the deal, Microsoft will own the company which has been a leader in creating the Lumia line of smartphones that run Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system. Microsoft is paying $5 billion to buy Nokia's Devices & Services unit and an additional $2.2 billion to license Nokia's patents for $2.2 billion.

The deal will be finalized in early 2014, when about 32,000 Nokia employees will transfer to Microsoft.

Source: Microsoft to buy Nokia phones unit

Apple launched trade-in program "iPhone Reuse and Recycle"

Summary: Apple Inc. said Friday that it has launched an iPhone trade-in program at its U.S. retail locations. The program will allow consumers to trade in older devices for credit on new products.

If you're worried you won't have enough cash saved up before the imminent release of the iPhone 5S, you're in luck. Apple is reportedly introducing a trade-in program ahead of the next iPhone's release, which would get your old iPhone off your hands and take a few bucks off the new one.

(Morefrom Techtimes24: Twitter’s new update conversation Apps for iPhone and Android)

Values can range depending on a variety of factors, including device color, physical damage and liquid damage. Though the prices could very well be tweaked before the program goes wide, the range is said to be around $120-200 for 16GB iPhone 4 and 4S models. A 16GB iPhone 5 in good condition could go for around $250

Maximum trade-in values

*Company offers gift card, not cash

Once the paperwork is done, the value is added to a gift card. The balance is applied to a new device, and the customer keeps the gift card if there’s money left over. The store keeps the old phone. The trade-in program is only applicable if you’re in the store to get a new phone, so you can’t just trade it for a gift card.

(More from Techtimes24: China's Xiaomi Hires Google Executive Hugo Barra)

Source: techcrunch, cnbc, huffingtonpost, apple recycling program

China's Xiaomi Hires Google Executive Hugo Barra

Vice president of Android product management Mr. Hugo Barra has announced he’s joining Android smartphone maker Xiaomi as vice president of its global team to expand the device-maker’s product portfolio and worldwide reach.

The news, which was first reported by AllThingsD, followed closely reports about a split between Google co-founder Sergey Brin and his wife Anne Wojcicki. The reports suggest that Brin is now seeing another Google employee who was previously seeing Barra. The third Google employee has not been named. Barra tendered his resignation before the drama involving Brin unfolded.

(More from Techtimes24: Twitter’s new update conversation Apps for iPhone and Android)

Xiaomi is one of a number of Chinese smartphone makers that have been gaining market share in China against foreign rivals like Apple and Nokia. Until recently, these Chinese companies seemed happy with their rising sales in China, the biggest smartphone market, but now companies like Xiaomi, Lenovo and Huawei seem intent on expanding internationally.

Mr. Barra said in a statement posted on a Google social networking service that he intended to help Xiaomi “expand their incredible product portfolio and business globally.”

“I’m really looking forward to this new challenge, and am particularly excited about the opportunity to continue to help drive the Android ecosystem,” he wrote.

“We wish Hugo Barra the best,” Google said in a statement. “We’ll miss him at Google and we’re excited that he is staying within the Android ecosystem.”

(More from Techtimes24: Apple snaps up AlgoTrim, a data compression startup)

Source: Android’s Hugo Barra Departs Google for China’s Xiaomi